Major Changes Coming To Driver's Licenses In New York

New York drivers should get ready for big changes to licenses in the state. The Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding New Yorkers that they will need to upgrade their driver's licenses and identification within the next month. The DMV has announced expanded hours to help accommodate an influx of New Yorkers needing to upgrade their licenses. DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, said,

“Whether you are planning to fly soon or not, the REAL ID deadline is almost here, and we want all New Yorkers to be prepared. The last thing you want to do is delay a trip, or worse, be unable to fly if you need to in a pinch because you don’t have the right identification. So don’t delay in making your REAL ID appointment, and before you come see us, check out our online resources so you can be sure you have everything you need.”

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The deadline for NY residents to get a REAL ID or enhanced ID is just over a month away from today on May 7, 2025, which was extended by two years from May 3, 2023. Now that the deadline is quickly approaching, the NYS DMV is encouraging people to get their IDs now. Real IDs will be required to fly domestically, and to enter federal buildings and military bases.

Republican U.S. House Representative Jim Sensenbrenner introduced the Real ID Act as H.R. 418 in February 2025, which passed in the House of Representatives. After some debate and delay, the bill was agreed on by both houses and signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush on May 11, 2005.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.' The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. ~ Department of Homeland Security

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Erie County Clerk

Starting April 3, certain DMV offices - in New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, and Suffolk counties - will be open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm on Thursdays.

In addition, some DMV locations will be open Saturday mornings for REAL ID processing:

- Yonkers District Office
- Bronx District Office
- Harlem District Office
- Midtown District Office
- Richmond District Office
- Brooklyn Atlantic District Office
- Coney Island District Office
- College Point District Office
- Garden City District Office
- Medford District Office

You can find an office and schedule an appointment here. If you haven't upgraded your driver's license or ID yet, you can go through the process and get all the requirements here.